A “new normal” that’s plagued India is lynching. From Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, this unlawfulness has sunk its claws deep in our country. Rarely a state’s there, which is safe from this atrocity. For a nation that’s civilised (to the most part), why should even a single such case be tolerated? Although, this heinous […]

A “new normal” that’s plagued India is lynching. From Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, this unlawfulness has sunk its claws deep in our country. Rarely a state’s there, which is safe from this atrocity. For a nation that’s civilised (to the most part), why should even a single such case be tolerated?

Although, this heinous mobocracy dates back to an age when no proper law & order existed, why are the numbers increasing when we’ve a functioning government? Looks like it’s long due that lynching gets criminalised & justice is served!

Severity of the Problem

Because national crime data doesn’t distinguish between general violence, IndiaSpend did a content analysis & revealed some shocking figures about mob violence. Between 2010 and 2017, over 28 people were killed by an angry mob. 97% of these attacks happened under the wings of current government and almost all of them were fuelled by cow slaughtering. Absurdly, 86% of the people lynched were Muslims. The gravity of this ordeal increased even more this year, shockingly, in 2018 alone, over 20 people have faced the same fate.

The figures are widely understated as Haryana & Madhya Pradesh showed no cases of mob violence when they’ve witnessed some of the worst such cases.

How impunity feeds lynching?

If a crime is ignored for too long, it entrenches itself in the lives of people. And, the reason it’s compounding, is impunity—those who murder are confident about getting away with it. Won’t it be better if the Supreme Court asks the Parliament to stop supporting communalism instead of enacting a new law against lynching? There are plenty of existing provisions in IPC which can be tweaked to put the culprits in jail! For instance, according to section 153A of IPC those who promote hatred or ill will among religion, castes or communities are liable for punishment.

It’s pretty evident that the state can act if it wants to, neglecting mob violence is no solution to this cruelty. And if lynching is ignored for too long, one can’t help but assume that it’s government’s strategic attempt to silence those against them & to implement discriminating ideologies.

How secularism is fading away?

Although, we were Secular before “Divide and Rule”, it’s shameful that minorities are scared to step out of their houses these days. From religion based to caste based, discrimination is pervasive in the country, now more than ever. Recently, in Gujarat, a garbage picker was brutally attacked for supposedly stealing scrap and a 13-year-old Dalit boy was killed by youths of upper caste for getting a haircut. How long will the grieved be unheard? If prejudiced ideologies continue to persist, we’ll be ensuring a culture full of killer mobs, extremists, religious fanatics & vigilantes, for generations to come.

Political inadequacy

Although, political parties have been using divide and rule to benefit, however, with this current government our Secularism and Democracy are in danger. For instance, speaking on Alwar Lynching—where a 28-year-old was killed—in July, 2018, CM of UP condemned Congress for“making a mountain out of a molehill”, as if it were a petty incident. Now, what’s infuriating is that these notable politicians aren’t slamming those who are promoting this violence but each other.

It’s true every country experiences political unrest & religious conflicts, at some point. But heartlessly killing people for not sharing same political & religious sentiments, is outright wrong and an attack on democracy. It’s unknown when we’ll be able to rise above this mayhem but it’s imperative to speak against it & not be okay with it.

Hence, it’s an appeal to the nation “to think before proceeding”, ensure the authenticity of the news you receive on WhatsApp or Facebook before believing it. Remember, as troubling as the system gets, justice is not for you to take!

Green mining involves a cautious balance of natural resources and evolving the equipment to adapt to more sustainable mining practices. “Green mining is defined as technologies, best practices and mining processes that are implemented as a mean to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction and processing of metals and minerals.” Nursery development is […]

Green mining involves a cautious balance of natural resources and evolving the equipment to adapt to more sustainable mining practices. “Green mining is defined as technologies, best practices and mining processes that are implemented as a mean to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction and processing of metals and minerals.” Nursery development is a vital process in sustainable mining as it ensures the proliferation of the indigenous species of flora that loses its natural habitat to mining. The nurseries help in rehabilitating the natural ecosystem that is disturbed by mining practices. Nurseries require a dedicated work force trained in horticulture, which in turn generates employment for the rural populace dwelling in the areas around the mines.

Progressive reclamation is practiced in very few mines in India. The process involves, backfilling and afforestation. Backfilling is the process of filling the land with the same earth that is excavated for mining. Backfilling has a lower material cost and involves an easy transportation system. It also helps to reduce the strain on the land resource. After the process of backfilling is completed, biological reclamation is carried out. For biological reclamation, the first step is afforestation, which is carried out to cover the barren land left by mining. The entire process of progressive reclamation helps in generating a trained workforce, which results in an increase in income that leads to the growth of the community.

Explosions carried out in traditional mining releases an array of pollutants and suspended particulate matter into the atmosphere. Sustainable mining eliminates both air pollution and explosion by replacing them with surface mining. Surface mining involves the Surface Miner Machine which has an inbuilt water sprinkler. The water sprinkler continuously sprays water over the land the machine mines over, thereby reducing the pollution and eliminating the process of blasting. This makes surface mining a smarter and more eco –friendly process of mining.

Eco-transplantation is another important process involved in sustainable mining. The trees that are brought down to make mining possible in traditional mining are instead uprooted and transplanted to maintain the balance in the ecosystem, and reduce the ill effects of deforestation. Geo-blanketing is practiced at very few locations in India; it helps in reducing soil erosion and helps in biological restoration.

The water that seeps out of the mines is usually discharged in traditional mining practices, but to make mining more sustainable it must be conserved. The seepage water can be utilized internally at the mines for washing purposes. It can also be used in biological reclamation to irrigate the previously mentioned nurseries and eco-transplanted areas.

Adani Company’s vision is to make the post-mining environment as close to the pre-mining environment as possible. The company has been actively involved in practicing green and sustainable mining to protect the natural ecosystem of the area and reduce the negative impacts that mining has on the environment. The company ensures it practices sustainable mining techniques to reduce the damage that is caused to the environment.

With terrorist organisations blooming outside the Indian borders and fringe elements inside, ensuring the safety of our leaders is one of the biggest challenges for security agencies. A Quora user out of curiosity asked fellow quorans if breaching Modi’s security and assassinating the Prime Minister was possible. This question was perfectly answered by another user who imagined himself as […]

With terrorist organisations blooming outside the Indian borders and fringe elements inside, ensuring the safety of our leaders is one of the biggest challenges for security agencies.

A Quora user out of curiosity asked fellow quorans if breaching Modi’s security and assassinating the Prime Minister was possible.

This question was perfectly answered by another user who imagined himself as a hitman hired to assassinate the Indian Prime Minister.

“Let me grab this opportunity and be a Hitman for the short span of this answer.

Now, I am suited up, have placed my pistols under my jacket and that crooked knife hangs around my waist.

My target is the PM of India. I’ll look for places I can strike him.I’ll brief you about the potential locations for assassination.

When he is airbornePM of India flies in the highly customized aircraft with the call-name of the ‘Air India One’. A Boeing 747 and few other smaller aircrafts managed by the IAF serve to protect the Passenger One in the skies. They are equipped with state of the art navigation system, in air refueling, heavy shielding and radar warning receivers. It can also shoot chaff and flares to deviate radar guided and heat-seeking missiles off-course along with other classified security tools. It has been made and modified to survive biological, chemical as well as a nuclear attack.

“This looks like a toughie. Better leave those airsick people in the skies instead try to strike while he is not in air.”

When on roadThe PM of India travels in his tank of BMW (7 series). The vehicle is believed to be able to secure the occupants from landmine blasts to Kalashnikov’s bullets. It can run for kilometers even on flat tyres and are fitted with advance heat sensors to ward off missiles and bombs. While the fuel tanks are made such that they don’t explode during an attack, its cabin also turns into a gas-proofchamber and ensures oxygen supply to secure the occupant in cases of gas attacks. They are also believed to defend the occupant against chemical and biological attacks

“My! My! I am not messing with the Hulk. Let’s take him down when he’s on foot.”

When on foot

PM on foot is generally surrounded by the highly trained commandos called the SPG (Special Protection Group). They are generally armed with FN F2000 Assault Rifles and Glock 17 Pistols (hidden in their suits) and are well connected with the rest of the security detail, through a myriad of communication devices. These are hand-picked defense personnel that is trained to be alert all the time and be prepared to act as a human shield during a threat. They even test the PM’s food and water and secure the visiting area well before hand.

“Shit! this being Hitman is hard. I wanted to go all guns blazing like the wild west. But I think these SPGs will blaze me up even before I get to have a visual of the target.”

On top of that he even gets to travel in an IAF VVIP Helicopter, Planes and private jets. Always surrounded a Chakravyuh of SPGs, police officers and intelligence agents.

“I better go finish that packet of Oreo. This killing the PM and the midsems are too much for my little brain to undertake.”

“Twist, lick, dunk”“Have a cookie.”

Hats off to the men who toil day and night taking all risks to ensure that our country’s leader, our Prime Minister is secured and safe.

Every 26th January, the Indian Youth unites in expression with their tri-color tattooed faces, watching the parade on TV and posting patriotic selfies on social media! Known for unabashedly expressing their take on things, our country’s youth has always followed a ‘no-apologies’ approach when it comes to speaking their heart out on issues that matter. […]

Every 26th January, the Indian Youth unites in expression with their tri-color tattooed faces, watching the parade on TV and posting patriotic selfies on social media!

Known for unabashedly expressing their take on things, our country’s youth has always followed a ‘no-apologies’ approach when it comes to speaking their heart out on issues that matter. This Republic Day too, they’ve done what they do best, by sparking an online revolution of sorts, by sharing their vision of a new nation in an online activity titled #RockTheRepublic.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #MakeInIndia initiative has attracted huge investment in the country, a few people have questioned his personal commitment to the mission citing the presence of BMW 7 Series cars in his convoy. When this question surfaced on Quora, a user came up with the perfect reply, backed by logic and facts […]

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #MakeInIndia initiative has attracted huge investment in the country, a few people have questioned his personal commitment to the mission citing the presence of BMW 7 Series cars in his convoy.

When this question surfaced on Quora, a user came up with the perfect reply, backed by logic and facts to this question.

“I appreciate the question because even small things display your intent.

When PM Modi was about to assume office for the first time, Mr. Anand Mahindra wrote to PM Modi requesting him to make Scorpio his official car. He also sought to make any changes demanded by SPG(Special Protection Group). There are many reasons as to why it did not go ahead.

First of it is that even after the modifications it was not considered safe by the SPG, as the Scorpio has a very high stance, and it would serve an easy target for snipers as it would stand out among the surrounding BMW X5’s which carry the SPG men. The 7-Series on the other hand is low-stance car which is adequately protected from a direct shot by surrounding cars(X5’s). Also, a car with lower ground clearance has it’s center of mass more closer to the ground. It responds faster to sudden changes in movement and is easier to control & maneuver.

Second: The threat perception of PM Modi is much greater than the erstwhile CM Modi. SPG did the right thing by going along with a tested German system of cars known for reliability and used worldwide. Contrast this against the Scorpio without a convincing track record.

Third: They already had the BMW 7 series which were bought during the tenure of the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee(before BMW, Indian PMs used to travel in Ambassadors). Also, there were talks that some other cars were also being considered other than BMW and Scorpio. But, the government refrained from spending extra unnecessarily and decided to use the existing 7 series fleet which already had all the security features required by SPG for PM Modi’s protection.

The idea is ‘Make in India’ not ‘Make Indian’. India Inc.’s potential to invest is limited to a certain extent and have other bottlenecks like technology and expertise. Bringing in foreign money also brings with it foreign technology, experience and much better level of competition. This would help in lowering the fiscal deficit(benefits India), create jobs at a massive scale(benefits Indians), transfer of cutting edge technology(to India) and create a robust supply chain. All this will create an investment cycle in the Indian economy which will help us reach high growth phase(maybe double digit) and sustaining it in the long term. This is exactly what China did and it sustained double digit growth for 30 years.

The present government’s policies suggest that we are moving in the right direction.

While sexist remarks against women have been the unfortunate order of the day, the new trend is to stereotype men and brand every single man as a potential sexual offender. Men are being classified as potential rapists and patriarchal notions of masculinity are being stereotyped and remarks have been openly made against men in the recent […]

While sexist remarks against women have been the unfortunate order of the day, the new trend is to stereotype men and brand every single man as a potential sexual offender. Men are being classified as potential rapists and patriarchal notions of masculinity are being stereotyped and remarks have been openly made against men in the recent past. Such remarks are being made continually, and it must be understood that not all men are the same.

Here are 8 highly sexist remarks made by renowned personalities against men in recent times.

About a century or half ago, homosexuality (or for that matter anything to do with sexuality) was probably Indian society’s worst kept secret. And since there wasn’t any Internet, there was no way for one to learn more about the subject. Unless they did it the old fashioned way – read books, which clearly not […]

About a century or half ago, homosexuality (or for that matter anything to do with sexuality) was probably Indian society’s worst kept secret. And since there wasn’t any Internet, there was no way for one to learn more about the subject. Unless they did it the old fashioned way – read books, which clearly not many did. So understandably, there were a lot of misconceptions about the LGBT community back then.

So we bring you these facts that debunk some of the most common LGBT myths and stereotypes.

1. It is not natural

How does it sound to you if we say that being left-handed is unnatural? Absurd, right? Well, so is the case with being queer or transgendered.

2. It is a disease

Ok, so unless you are a qualified doctor or scientist, try not put forth the argument that LGBT folks are not “normal” and suffer from a disease. Scientific communities world over have clarified that being LGBT is not a medical abnormality. Yes, that’s the fact!

3. It is a psychological disorder

To put it simply, nope. And if you think something might be wrong with LGBT folks psychologically, you most likely have a mental disorder yourself and it’s called homophobia.

4. It is disgusting

It might seem disgusting to you, but well, if you don’t fancy the idea of making out with someone of your own gender, then don’t do it. Let others be and let them do their own thing. Problem solved.

5. It spreads AIDS

There are many ways one can contract STDs, but they have more to do with the sexual habits and how unsafe they are, rather than the gender of the person you are indulging in them with. Remember, HIV doesn’t discriminate. So play safe!

6. It’s a choice

Yes, it is. If you think being tall/short/fair/dark/etcetera are also choices one makes. In the words of her Almighty Lady Gaga, we are all born this way!

7. It is a sin

Last we checked, every religion preaches love and teaches us to accept everyone. We are the children of the Creator and like any parent, he/she doesn’t discriminate amongst his/her kids. So neither should we!

8. Homosexuality can be cured

No, you can’t “cure” a gay kid if you show him enough GIFs of Sunny Leone running or something. It’s been scientifically proven that medicine, or any other form of treatment, can’t alter sexuality. And anyway, why would you want to cure something that isn’t a disease?

9. Homosexuality spreads like an infection

Being around straight people doesn’t turn a homosexual person into a heterosexual. Why do you think it will work the other way?

10. They can’t have kids so what’s the point?

The purpose of life isn’t procreation. And they can always adopt, which is good for everyone, right?

11. They will bring the world to an end

Many countries around the world have legalised gay marriage and recognised LGBT rights, and they seem to be doing pretty well. Hatred and wars might destroy the world, LGBT folks for sure won’t.

12. You’re gay if you support gay rights

Yes, but only if supporting animal right makes you an animal too. You don’t have to be part of the LGBT community to fight for their rights because it is a fight for equality and nothing more!

Remember, love is love. Who are we to judge or discriminate against someone for loving another human being? Instead of spreading fear and hatred, let’s spread the love. And glitter, because everybody loves glitter!

Whether it is worshiping Goddesses while denying education to girls, calling all children equal when denying their daughters from property rights or sharing Facebook posts condemning child labor while getting their houses cleaned by underage cleaners, hypocrisy is so ingrained in our society that it seems unavoidable. After the first series on Hypocrisy, we’re back in […]

Whether it is worshiping Goddesses while denying education to girls, calling all children equal when denying their daughters from property rights or sharing Facebook posts condemning child labor while getting their houses cleaned by underage cleaners, hypocrisy is so ingrained in our society that it seems unavoidable.

We are a country with billionaires and those struggling to afford two square meals a day. We are a country who gave the world ‘Kamasutra’ and still shy away from speaking about ‘sex.’ We are a country of diversity, vividness and full of IRONIES! We bring you our series of posters that portray the different […]

We are a country with billionaires and those struggling to afford two square meals a day. We are a country who gave the world ‘Kamasutra’ and still shy away from speaking about ‘sex.’

We are a country of diversity, vividness and full of IRONIES!

We bring you our series of posters that portray the different ironies that exist in India.

1. Homes to build but none to live in.

2. Dearth of electricity for electricians.

3. Modern world ruled by ancient laws.

4. Atithi Devo Bhava?

5.Commenting but not doing.

6. Polluting the holy.

7. Conflicted use of media.

8. Rich above poor.

9. It’s okay to pray but inappropriate to practice.

10. When victim is the culprit.

11. Luxuries over necessities.

12. All words but no action.

13. Overeating over feeding the poor.

These posters don’t portray a pretty picture of the nation. But sadly, they project nothing but the truth. India, known for its principles, customs and traditions, fails in numerous ways to emerge as a just and equitable nation.

An insidious practice that’s destroying lives is smoking. You may start smoking just to ‘try’ something new, relieve stress or for the ‘Swag’ but it easily becomes a habit. And if you don’t stop soon, your habit turns into an addiction. The gravity of this problem is evident by the fact that the world now […]

An insidious practice that’s destroying lives is smoking. You may start smoking just to ‘try’ something new, relieve stress or for the ‘Swag’ but it easily becomes a habit. And if you don’t stop soon, your habit turns into an addiction. The gravity of this problem is evident by the fact that the world now observes “No tobacco day”. It’s easier to quit it when you’ve not developed a habit of it, cause after that your lifestyle gets used to the killer smoke and quitting this custom becomes harder and harder.

We tell you what happens when you start smoking, then decide to quit.

1. You realize that your bowel movements are now dependent on a Cigarette

2. A little smoke of a Cigarette from a distance and it’s a test of your will-power

3. When you cannot say NO to someone

4. Your body gets used to a cigarette to handle stress

5. You start finding reasons to have ‘just one.’ Well, it all started with just one, remember?

6. Your friends around you discourage you with their ‘tried and failed’ stories

7. You realize that Smoking has become an integral part of your lifestyle

Hence, it’s an advice to every youngster out there who wants to try smoking…

Smoking, stealthily becomes a part of your life. One moment you’re trying your first cigarette, the next your morning doesn’t start without one. It’s feasible to not take up this habit in the first place because quitting it, isn’t easy. So, beware when you try your first cigarette, it most possibly won’t be your last.